Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Announces Leadership Transition

February 11, 2012

The board of trustees of Philadelphia-based Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (TJUH) announced the retirement of President and CEO Thomas J. Lewis, effective June 30. The boards of TJUH and Jefferson Health System also have affirmed David McQuaid to continue in his current role as COO and will assume the title of President of Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, effective July 1.

“I have been afforded the unique opportunity to lead a world-class academic medical center for more than 20 years,” Lewis said. “Throughout my tenure, the hard work, dedication and devotion of our physicians and employees have helped Jefferson become a leader in healthcare enabling it to increase its ability to treat the most complex healthcare needs as well as treat many of the most medically underserved in our region.”

Lewis began his career as an administrative resident after receiving his MHA from Duke University. Named president in 1990, Lewis led Jefferson to the accomplishment of significant milestones, including:

Continually improving the US News and World Report ranking of TJUH’s programs with 11 Hospital specialties ranked among the best in the nation last year;

Leading the acquisition of the Wills Eye Hospital to create the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience;

Leading the transition, in 1995, of TJUH from the University into the Jefferson Health System;

Merging Methodist Hospital with TJUH in 1996 to provide residents of South Philadelphia with a broader range of healthcare services;

Providing for the development and growth of several premier clinical programs, including the Rothman Institute at Jefferson, the Jefferson Heart Institute, the Jefferson Gastrointestinal Disease Center, the Jefferson Epilepsy Center, JeffNOW, and the NCI-designated Kimmel Cancer Center.

“Tom’s true impact can be felt daily walking the halls of our hospitals,” said William A. Landman, chairman of the board of Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals. “His dedication to the physicians, staff and ultimately, our patients, is best exemplified through his steadfast commitment that patients and their families come first. His leadership, knowledge and experience will be missed, but we are pleased that he leaves the hospital in good hands.”